Greater Manchester Police has spoken out against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) as this year’s International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, takes place today, Saturday 6 February.
The day, a UN sponsored event, sees GMP further highlight its work to prevent the practice across Greater Manchester communities, and appeal for those involved to come forward.
Detective Chief Superintendent Vanessa Jardine said:
“FGM is child abuse. It is a horrific and brutal crime and it will absolutely not be tolerated in Greater Manchester.
“In recent years we have worked to help educate communities and our officers about what FGM is, raising awareness of its prevalence and publicising the impact it has on victims. As well as a substantial educational programme, we undertake operational activity in airports in collaboration with the UK Border Agency to seek out any victims or families intending to conduct these acts overseas.
“There has been a lot of work between organisations, such as the Greater Manchester FGM Forum, to increase awareness and cooperation between agencies. We are continuing to look into reported cases of FGM and the increase in reporting is encouraging.”
GMP has worked with schools, members of health and social care and others to encourage referrals to third party organisations and support victims after they have made a report.
If you are concerned about yourself or someone you know, GMP urges you to speak to someone, be it your teacher, a doctor, the police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
The FGM Helpline is 0800 028 3550.
